Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy

by Craig R. Hipkins

Clement is no ordinary thirteen year old boy. He lives in a castle in 12th century Normandy. After helping Adalbert on his quest to find a long lost treasure, Clement and his friend Dagena return for another adventure. This time, Clement must overcome the evil ambitions of his wicked uncle, Sven the Terrible! Prepare yourself for some medieval action and excitement that you will not soon forget. This is the first book in a planned trilogy. Clement and Dagena first appeared in the novel Adalbert.

Genres: Young Adult

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2020

About the author

Craig R. Hipkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He currently lives in North Carolina.
Craig published his first book, “Fireballs: A History of Meteors and other Atmospheric Phenomena” in 2009. Adalbert is his first novel. It is the sequel to the novel Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner. He also enjoys astronomy and reading history in his spare time.

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted medieval adventure...

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig Hipkins is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted teen and young adult medieval fiction that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this medieval adventure will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. This was a great read and comes highly recommended. A well-deserved five stars from me.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clement is not your average boy. He’s a twelfth-century thirteen-year-old Norman knight, also known as the Count of la Haye. After his quest to find treasure, he longs for another adventure. Clement and his friend, Dagena, discover what Sven the Terrible, Clement’s uncle, is up to. They must stop his evil plans before it’s too late but are they in over their heads? Clement and Dagena are ready for this adventure… are you?

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy is a great medieval adventure any child will love. In fact, most teens and adults will treasure this book. I enjoyed the descriptive narration. It flows well while capturing the reader’s imagination. The plot moves at a great pace and is peppered with historical facts. High praise to the author for bringing the medieval era to life in a fun, approachable way. The characters are what makes this adventure story stand out. I connected with Clement right away and stuck by him until I finished the story. If you’re looking for an adventure story you won’t be able to put down, no matter your age, you’ll enjoy Clement. I can’t wait for the next adventure. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Karyn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Exciting Journey into the Middle Ages

Craig Hipkins is one of those authors that knows how to keep a story going. CLEMENT: BOY KNIGHT OF NORMANDY is not his first book and will also not be the last. The characters are a continuation of the previous book ADALBERT. However, Clement is also a stand-alone book.
Hipkins brings together a fine collection of medieval terms, which are very exciting to read. The story also boasts of a rich plot. The main character Clement is no your ordinary thirteen years old boy. Clement is a medieval adventure and a page-turner that provides a great reading experience.
Clement lives in a castle in the 12th Century and has a close acquaintance by the name of Dagena with whom he goes on adventures. The mission now is to overcome the plot of his evil uncle Sven. I think the author is a fine writer who understands how to grab attention and present his ideas in ways that are easy to understand.
The book is worth the price and the time you spend reading this book. It is one book I can readily recommend to friends and family.

[Linda Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy is about a young man who while turning into a 13 year old must defend his kingdom against his evil uncle Sven the Terrible. Clement, the Count de la Haye, following his father’s death, finds himself leading his friends, his father’s loyal followers, his love - Dagena, and the skilled members of his kingdom to fight to protect the castle and lands from evil men. However, in addition to being a skilled marksman, Clement shows the strength of courage, compassion and loyalty against evil. It is a great book for all ages as he stoically goes on his adventure determined to win the war regardless of his age and size. His belief in himself and his friends helps him to battle and overcome evil. Highly recommended.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clement de la Haye is a recently orphaned in Normandy. The death of his father has made him the new Count de la Haye, and set in motion several plans to wrest his power, his castle, and his holdings from him. Visitors to the castle inform him that he is going to be forced by the king to wed a suitable wife of high station, within the year, though he is not yet thirteen. But his heart is set on his childhood companion Dagena, the daughter of a scullery maid. They ride out on an adventure to explore a local cave with his best friend Olaf, unknowingly escaping a deadly trap by his villainous uncle Sven the Terrible. With only their wits and a couple daggers, they must rally an army to rescue their castle under siege and rout the evil invader and his army of mercenaries and highwaymen.

Content:
Drug Content:
G – none

Violence:
PG – There are a couple scenes with cadavers. There is a glossed-over chapter concerning a battle between armies. There is a discussion of killing prisoners.

Language:
G – Squeaky clean

Adult Content:
G – There is a bit of preteen angst, but no kissing.

Christian content:
Clement is a Christian, and says as much multiple times, taking the high road frequently due to his faith. There is a discussion of salvation by faith, and some content appropriate for a visit to an abbey. Prayer is not a stranger to this work, and faith in Providence carries them through several tight squeezes. Class distinction is a powerful destructive theme here, and Clement's stalwart refusal to succumb to that mindset makes him endearing and sets him far above others. Self-sacrifice plays a pivotal role, and care for the poor, identification with the downtrodden, and rescue of the innocent are strong themes in this work.

Final Analysis:
Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is an outstanding, fast-paced historical coming-of-age adventure. Significant research went into making the period clothing, buildings, daily life, and speech of the times accurate. The characters were believable and had their own transformations along the way. I especially liked the camaraderie between Clement and Dagena. The worldbuilding was immersive, and the white-knuckle action had me on the edge of my seat as Clement and his friends moved from one scrape to another in a constant barrage. This page-turner is perfect for fans of coming-of-age adventures in historical times. Five Stars!

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is my uncle Pepin’s, the Benedictine friar of Evreux. He has come to tell me how I shall live my life, who I shall marry, who I shall pay homage too, and perhaps even to tell me how to lace my boots proper!”

Clement, the twelve-year-old Count of la Haye, is not quite ready to let his uncle Pepin have his way in everything. Young, he may be, but he still knows his own mind, and he knows who he is going to marry, and it certainly is not going to be Lady Alice de Mowbray. Unfortunately, the opportunity to argue his case is brutally snatched away from him, for he is about to be thrown into a terrible war, which no one saw coming—although many may have been able to predict it if they had but looked for the warning signs.

Torn between duty to his people, protecting his friends, and saving his own life, Clement must grow up and do so quickly. Alone, he and his friends do not stand a chance against his other uncle, Sven the Terrible. But who would follow a boy towards a battle where the odds of winning were two to one…?

A group of friends in peril and an enemy that would happily kill them all to get his hands upon what he wants—and all that happens in the opening chapters! Craig R Hipkins has penned a spellbinding adventure in his fabulous new book, Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy, Book 1.

The poetic writing and the crystalline prose make this book a perfect introduction for a young reader’s first romp into the world of Historical Fiction. The language that Hipkins uses is straightforward and concise, although he sometimes does throw in a few dost’s and thou’s, reminding the reader that this story is set in the past. There is also some fairly modern terminology used for the benefit of the reader. Although such terms would not have been in use during this period in history, they work well in the context of this book and, therefore, it is not something I am going to pull the author up on. I think such minor details can be readily forgiven because of the intended audience. This novel is also the perfect length for a child who has been introduced to chapter books but now wants something marginally longer to read. Hipkins has evidently wanted to pen a book that entertains, and Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy certainly does this.

This novel is centred around three children, Clement, Dagena and Olaf. At the start of this novel, the children enjoy training and learning how to use the weapons of war, but it is still very much a game to them. As the story progresses, they have to use the skills they learnt to stay alive. Their childhood is, therefore, cruelly interrupted by those who see Clement as an opponent who would be easy to overthrow. The fact that it is Clement’s own uncle who would see him dead makes it all the more sobering.

Clement is a protagonist that will undoubtedly appeal to children. He is brave, funny, and more importantly, he knows his own mind. He is also exceptionally loyal, which I think makes him incredibly appealing. Clement has a quiet intelligence and is always trying to find a solution to whatever dilemma they find themselves in. But at the same time, he can also be an extremely awkward twelve-year-old boy, who is desperately trying to hold it all together and give the impression that he is in control at all times. His constant reassurance to Dagena and his feigned confidence that everything will turn out alright in the end made for an extremely delightful read.

Dagena was one of my favourite characters in this book because she is just so stubborn and feisty. Dagena is a girl that will appeal to a younger audience. Although of low birth, Dagena knows how to look after herself and those around her. I thought Dagena was a wonderful protagonist, and she is also one that a young reader can get behind and root for. Likewise, Olaf was a character that I came to care about. His loyalty and his love for his friends made him genuinely likeable. Several adults in this story do help the children survive, but very often the children find themselves on their own as they face a truly terrible foe. Nevertheless, all three of them are extremely pragmatic about the situations they find themselves in, and they face each hurdle with determination and a seemingly unquenchable optimism.

The antagonist of this story is Sven the Terrible. Sven is determined to get what he wants and if he has to kill his nephew to achieve that aim, then he will. Despite the threat that Sven presents to Clement and his friends, the menace that such a character would usually envisage is not so apparent in the text. Yes, he is a bad man, and he is feared, but the detail of his atrocities are not dwelled upon. Hipkins is cautious when it comes to the language that he uses, because this book is meant to be enjoyed. This book is not a history lesson, nor is it one that glorifies death and destruction, although there might be an unexpected skeleton and a few mean men. This book is for children and Hipkins never loses sight of that and although there are a few violent scenes, this violence is contained to such an extent that there is nothing unsuitable or upsetting for Hipkins' intended audience. There is also a heavy dose of cheerfulness in this book that lets the reader know that everything is going to be okay, and everyone will survive to tell the tale. I thought Hipkins struck a delicate balance between the story he wanted to tell and the audience he wants to entertain.

Although this book is set in a historical world, it does not feel too foreign. The characters are relatable, as is the world that they live in.

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy, Book 1 by Craig R Hipkins, will appeal to both boys and girls, and the non-stop action will assuredly keep them turning those pages. I thought it was a brilliant book from beginning to end. It is perfect either for children to read on their own, or to be enjoyed as a bedtime story.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Susanne Leist · Rating 5 out of 5]

After learning from his father's brother, a Benedict Monk, that he should marry one of King Henry's and the monk's choices for him, 12 year old, Clement, the young Count of la Haye, laughs as he hangs out with his friend, Olaf the Dane, and the girl he wants to marry, maid Dagena. Even Weden, his father's former advisor, cautions him to practice his fighting skills since he is now the Count. After practice, Clement wanders from the grounds with Olaf and Dagena. This begins their journey on the run as unsavory figures attack them. Clement soon learns his mother's brother, Sven, wants control of his castle.
Along the way, Clement meets interesting characters like Jacques, the giant who worked for his father. He is my favorite since Jacques is ogre-looking but still warm and cuddly. Milton of Canterbury would have been a great addition to their group if he stayed longer with them. Dagena, on the other hand, adds only complaining and concerns for how she looks.
Clement keeps them alive with his cunning and determination to beat Sven at his own games.
The writing is well-done. The vivid descriptions brings the characters and countryside to life.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is a historical adventure novel set in 12th-century Normandy, following a courageous thirteen-year-old boy named Clement. After his previous quest for lost treasure in Adalbert, Clement returns for another thrilling journey—this time facing the sinister ambitions of his uncle, Sven the Terrible.

Blending medieval history with action and adventure, the novel promises an engaging read for young adult audiences who enjoy historical fiction filled with knights, castles, and treacherous family rivalries. As the first book in a planned trilogy, it sets the stage for even more daring exploits.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page-turner adventure book.

This was a great book! I am very fond of medieval and gothic tales. This time, the chosen one was “Clement: boy knight of Normandy”. It is the first novel in a trilogy written by Craig Hipkins. It´s an exciting adventure!
This medieval story is set in Normandy in the 12th century. The protagonist is Clement, a thirteen-year-old energetic who must deal with his malicious uncle´s plan against all odds. Luckily, Clement is not alone, Dagena supports him. What a duet!
I found this reading well-developed and thrilling. Its characters are dynamic and complex, especially Clement. Themes such as faithfulness, friendship and courage are portrayed throughout the tale. You can notice the dichotomy between good versus evil; kindness versus selfishness; courage versus cowardice. Another bit that I enjoyed is the setting, it reminded me of my History classes, and it made me travel through time. It was fascinating! Definitely, I believe that teenagers will be simply delighted with it as I was, too!

[Ivana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a school teacher I’m always trying to stimulate my students to read a book and I think that I found the perfect holiday homework. “Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy” is a book written by Craig Hipkins. It is a short read; it has only one hundred and seventy pages divided into chapters and that is perfect for teenagers who don’t have the habit of reading books.

The story tale, narrated in the third person, tells the story of Clement, a thirteen-year-old boy. It is set in the 12th century in Normandy. In this opportunity Clement and his friend Dagena has to defeat his evil uncle, Sven the Terrible.

Something important to mention about this novel is the simple narrative structure; the vocabulary is according to the age level. Also, the plot is really unpredictable which invites you to continue reading in order to know how the situation will be solved.

Children will be simply delighted with it. It is a highly entertaining read. Don’t miss it!

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy (Clement, #1) by Craig R. Hipkins is masterfully crafted story featuring well defined characters and a beautifully rendered setting. This is the first book in a promised trilogy and if this book is any indication, you are in for some more fine reading. The author's novel Aldalbert exposes us to some great characters, and this one continues in that vein, carrying forward some of those same characters. Full of adventure and skilled storytelling, this novel has Clement as the main protagonist, a 13 year old boy living in a castle. Clement has an evil uncle, Sven the terrible which makes for a challenging relationship between the two. These aspects all come together in an entertaining way, certainly geared toward younger teens, this book will appeal to an older age group as well. Fun, engaging, and creatively written, this book is highly recommended.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy we will get a very well-developed story based on the medieval times. This is a book for younger readers; personally, mi nieces were very amused by this story. I think the key elements here are the descriptions and the out of ordinary context that fascinate the readers. The story goes about Clement and his fight to stop his uncle Sven the Terribles’ greed.

What caught my attention right away was the fact it was a youth medieval fiction; there’s not much material about this, so it made me curious to see how the author incorporated all the condiments surrounding the medieval theme.

Let me conclude by saying that this is a great read for girls and boys between 12-18 years old, but you’ll enjoy it as well even if you don’t fit in that age gap. That being said, I’m giving this novel a four out of five stars.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy” is an adventure story written by Craig R. Hipkins. The author narrates the life of Clement, a teenager, who lives in Normady. The interesting part of this book is that it is set in mediaeval times. Clement and his friend Dagena embark on a fantastic adventure, trying to overcome the evil ambitions of his uncle, Sven the Terrible.
I am a big fan of adventure stories, especially of those with a hint of something new. Throughout the story we get to know Normady´s landscapes and how life was in mediaeval times. I really enjoyed reading this book. As well as a highly original plot line, the tale includes a number of fascinating characters, such as the villain Sven the Terrible. This book is simple and yet beautifully written. In my view, this story is addressed to young readers, who want to read a different style.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clement, a 13-year-old boy from 12th century Normandy wishes for a more exciting life after his adventures with Adelbert and the treasure. He gets a new opportunity, when he meets up with Dagena and learns of a plot from his Uncle Sven the Terrible, who is really quite evil. As his Father the king recently passed away, Clement is the next to rule once he is old enough to take over from his guardians. Those Guardians include his Uncle, who does not take kindly to the idea of handing over the reigns of Rule to a young pesky boy. Clement and his friends must find a way to undercut his uncle and secure support for himself before it is too late.
The worldbuilding in the book is really well done. I liked Clement, even as a young boy, he had spirit, grit and courage and it was a really good story for younger kids. I will be passing it on to my 8-year-old who loves adventure stories.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children / pre-teen story is amazing from beginning to end. I believe it is great that it will become a trilogy because there’s enjoyment in each page. The author, C. Hipkins, did a great job portraying the characters and the setting; Normandy in the 12th Century.
Clement: Boy knight of Normandy tells the adventures of this boy with his friend and how they must overcome the ambition of Clement’s uncle, Sven the Terrible.
It is not a short book but I believe this has the perfect length to tell a story with such a very good plot as this one. This medieval story full of action is very enjoyable from beginning to end and I believe readers of all ages would be interested in reading it. It is totally recommended, I’m giving it five deserved stars and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the trilogy.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale is tastefully fashioned including wonderful characters and time period scenery.

Get ready for some old-fashioned feats that will have you wanting to read more.

13-year-old Clement is the central character in the story. He has an evil uncle, Sven the Terrible who brings page-turning drama into the plot.

Along with his comrade Dagena, Clement is determined to defeat his evil uncle at all costs.

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy is cultured and exciting. The characters are lively and intricate, particularly Clement. Woven through the pages are loyalty, comradery, valor, wit, and humor, all depicted well throughout this fast-paced story.

Author Craig Hipkins paints with words Normandy’s sceneries well and describes the day and age wonderfully. The novel is recommended for children and for those older but still children at heart.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating Medieval adventure novel's setting is in 12th century Normandy, whereby 13-year-old Clement is sidelined by his uncle 'Sven the Terrible', who took over the castle after his father died. With the help of his friend Dagena and two others, they set out to gather support and an army to retake the castle and eliminate the ongoing attacks on neighboring lands. In the process, they come across many who wish to harm them, but through Clement's clever maneuvers and persuasive skills managed to successfully meet his goals. Clement is extremely likable, mature, and moralistic young teen who desired to right the wrongs of others, along with his ongoing dedication, loyalty, and protection of his friends. Well-written and researched YA novel with an attractive cover, true to the era that maintains one's attention (whether young or old) from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

[Mia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Clement: Boy knight of Normandy” is a kids book written by Craig Hipkins. Set in the twelfth Century in Normandy, this tells the story of a boy called Clement and the adventures he has with his friend Dagena. This tale is full of medieval action and descriptions and is thought to be the first one in a trilogy, which I personally think should be written.
The author’s writing style is clear and simple but full of exciting moments, perfect to engage young readers. While it is a bit long, with almost three hundred pages, the action is has makes readers read it from beginning to end without feeling the weight of the pages.
I will surely recommend reading this story because it is enjoyable, it has great depicted characters and the plot is very interesting.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of adventures. Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is one of those books that I could proudly recommend to my friends, especially those with kids. It's because the book gave me a warm and cozy kind of feeling. I loved how it talked about treasures and how it was set in a beautiful setting, in a castle of Normandy. The fact that it was also set in the 12th century makes the book all the more interesting, too.

As for the author's writing style, it was excellent and very reader-friendly. I enjoyed the dialogues between the characters as well as the series of events. It was over all a very exciting story with so much things going on.

[Trae Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced middle grade fantasy that will keep both kids and adults entertained. The author has great command of medieval Norway and transports you there without bogging down the story with too many details. The plot features well drawn characters driven by honor, friendship, bravery and loyalty, making this a great gift for kids who like to read- or in need of vacation/summer reading. If you’re a school librarian or teacher, this is exactly what you’re looking for to add to your classroom. I plan to donate my copy to a Local Free Library connected to a grammar school where I know lots of kids will find and enjoy this one.

[Rachel Jamerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 1/27 2023 by RRJamerson

Clement Boy Knight of Normandy is an exciting story crafted by Craig Hipkins. The story takes place in Medieval times. It is suspenseful and filled with action. It follows a young Knight only thirteen years old, as he fights to defend his estate.

Clement is the young Count of La Haye whose father has passed leaving the estate to the young boy. True to Medieval times, the estate includes a castle, mote, and drawbridge. The story follows the young Count as he and some friends fight to defend his estate from an evil uncle. Complete with battles waged with only swords and arrows. It is well-written and will keep the reader engaged throughout.

[TJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young count faces challenges to his burgeoning authority on multiple fronts, from brigands and hostile neighbors, even his uncle! Caught between his besieged castle and the chaos outside it, he must set out with his friends to get help against the attack, and assert his dominance as the rightful count.

Well-written and nice verisimilitude. Great for young fans of the medieval.

Our fledgling hero is likeable, courageous and moral, served by a cadre of loyal friends who share his virtues.

Fast-paced and lighthearted, with plenty of intrigue, all in all it's an enjoyable adventure tale!

[Jacqueline Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rousing medieval adventure story!
Although only thirteen, Clement has become the Count de la Haye in 12th century Normandy. A sudden attack forces him and his courageous friend Dagena to flee, but against the odds, the young man shows true leadership ability and raises an army to attempt to retake his castle. This well-paced tale features memorable characters, rewarding action and plenty of twists and turns. The first of three books in the series, it provides uplifting entertainment for teen and young adult readers.